Chief, Advocacy Section

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Advocacy Section (AS), Public Affairs and Policy Support Branch (PAB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Vienna, Austria.

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Chief, Public Affairs and Policy Support Branch. For further information on UNODC visit

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Chief of the Advocacy Section will be responsible for the following specific duties:

• Direct and manage all communication, advocacy and public affairs activities of UNODC (written, oral, electronic, public events), including: - strengthening UNODC's advocacy and external presence in key fora and networks; - creating consistency in external and internal communications to ensure credible "branding" at all levels of UNODC, including field offices; - managing UNODC's external website and social media activity, including the design, planning and conceptualizing of new content and products; overseeing Field Office sites and managing social media activities and campaigns; - overseeing the production – including research, drafting, script writing, translation, printing and distribution - of public information materials, videos, annual reports, radio public services announcements, and exhibits; - maintaining networks of high-level communication contacts with media, governmental agencies, international institutions, civil society organizations etc.; represent the organization in important meetings, conferences, events, etc.; promote joint public relations ventures.
• Develop closer links and coordination with UNODC's Office of the Executive Director in the development and implementation of communication strategies and advocacy on UNODC's mandate areas, including relating to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and United Nations General Assembly Special Sessions (UNGASS);
• Develop closer links with UNODC's Global Programmes and support the Thematic Branches, Regional Sections and Field Offices in (a) media-related launches of studies and publications and promoting their activities through available communications tools, such as the website and social media; (b) events and campaigns related to the celebration of international days (against drugs, corruption, human trafficking, HIV/AIDS etc.) and promotion of other UNODC thematic mandates, such as emerging forms of crime; and (c) promoting the UN Trust Fund against Trafficking in Human Beings.
• Manage UNODC Goodwill Ambassador Programme, and oversee all activities related to public affairs events in key capitals to enhance the external image of UNODC as a key partner in the nexus of rule of law, human security and development, including support of private sector initiatives and sponsorships.
• Collaborate effectively with United Nations Information Services (UNIS) and its office in Vienna and contribute to the development and production of a variety of communication materials, programmes and events related to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV);
• Coordinate closely with the Co-financing and Partnership Section (CPS) on fundraising for the Advocacy Section;
• Provide diverse public information materials (questions and answers, Fact Sheets) for use by senior officials, develop or oversee development of high profile multi-media communications campaigns; set quality and production standards for information dissemination.
• Manage and supervise all activities and work undertaken by the Section as well as its human and financial resources.
• Lead team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provide insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensure that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.
• Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism:
Has knowledge and understanding of different aspects of public information and communication. Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to crime, drug and terrorism related issues.

Is able to advise on and effectively manage high profile and sensitive communications as well as to develop effective communication strategies.

Is able to produce and oversee the production of various promotional materials as well as to provide expert advice to managers and counterparts.

Has comprehensive knowledge of international and United Nations policies, procedures and operations in general and those related to drugs and crime in particular.

Is able to identify key and sensitive issues, analyse and present solutions to problems/issues. Is able to establish and maintain productive relationships. Is able to apply good judgment and plan and manage the work of a Section. Is able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.

Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Planning and organizing:
Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently

Communication:
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

Managing Performance:
Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly

Judgement/Decision-making:

Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public relations or other related field is required.

A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in journalism, communications or public relations is required.

Of the minimum number of years of experience, at least (five) 5 within the United Nations System or at a similar international organization is required.

Past experience in senior and managerial public information/relation positions requiring excellent political judgement, environmental sensitivity and wide seasoning in the field of public information communications is desirable.

Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations official language(s) is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview

Special Notice

This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2024.

If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.

Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.

Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.

Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect.

The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Vienna is classified as a H and family duty station.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts.

The term "sexual exploitation" means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.

The term "sexual abuse" means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

The term "sexual harassment" means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator's working relationship.

Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs.

The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c).

Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised.

This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.

Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on "Manuals" in the "Help" tile of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines.

Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening.

No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted.

Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING).

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.

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